Miracles and Our WitnessSample

Miracles as Proof

One day, when Jesus was teaching His disciples, he told them that the gospel, the good news of God’s kingdom, would be preached all over the world as a witness or testimony to all nations. In the original Bible text, the word translated as “witness” or “testimony” means something evidential, with proof or with evidence. In a court case, the witness who brings evidence is the winner.

This discovery increased the assurance in my heart that our ministry today should emulate the ministry of Jesus Christ. He went about the countryside teaching, preaching, and healing the people he encountered. God’s power was present to heal those who heard Him.

John the Baptist sent disciples to observe the ministry of Jesus and to inquire as to whether or not He was the Christ. The Lord sent them back to John, instructing the disciples to tell him what they had seen and heard. They heard the gospel preached. They saw the blind receive their sight. They saw the lame walk. They saw the miracles!

Jesus’ message was not only spoken but announced with evidence. His gospel came with visible proof, and His preaching was confirmed with demonstrations of God’s power. He was the Christ, and the miracles proved it.

After Jesus died, rose, and ascended to heaven, Philip went to the city of Samaria. He preached Christ to the people there, and his message was also confirmed by miracles. They were the witness that convinced the people of the city. They testified that what Philip taught was the truth.

It was not enough to hear the message, nor is that enough today. The people of Samaria needed to see the miracles as evidence that Philip was speaking the truth. In the same way, miracles today continue to witness the truth of the gospel.

Christian messengers have gone throughout the world, but not enough of them have demonstrated what they have preached. Consequently, many of them have experienced meager results. Where men and women have proclaimed Christ in all of His love and power, non-Christians have responded and have believed in Christ, embracing Him as Lord. We are convinced that the gospel, with evidence, will convince people that the Bible is true and that Jesus Christ is alive and unchanged today. It is always the witness who brings proof that convinces the court and wins the case.

Lord, may the miracles that You performed in the past and in my own life fill my heart with assurance to proclaim Your love and miracle-working power today.